South Platte River – Above Eleven Mile Reservoir

The lush meandering, meadow portion of the South Platte between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs is known as the “Dream Stream” or the Spinney Mountain Ranch. This beautiful 3-mile section of the Platte offers anglers the opportunity of a lifetime to catch large trout. This fabulous tailwater fishery is located in the heart of South Park, tucked between 14,000 foot snow capped peaks on the west, rich ranchland to the north and south, and Pikes Peak on the east. Spinney is a well-balanced fishery where anglers can catch trout on nymphs, dry flies, and streamers.

The river is comprised of prime trout habitat, which includes, riffles, runs, gravel bars, shelves, and undercut banks. Fly-fishers can expect to catch a mixed bag of rainbows, browns, and cutthroats in 10-18 inch range. In addition spring (rainbows, and cutthroats) and fall (browns and kokanee salmon) spawning runs from Elevenmile Reservoir are quite impressive with fish up to 10 pounds landed during a key three-four week period. Ideal flow conditions for “Dream Stream” are between 100 and 250 cfs. The regulations are flies and lures only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately.

The Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area (commonly called the Spinney Mountain Ranch or Dream Stream) is a classic meandering, meadow stream. Anglers have the opportunity to catch rainbows, cut-bows, cutthroats, and brown trout when they fish this fabled stretch of water.

Tips & Other Information:

The stretch below Spinney Mountain Reservoir is fishing fair right now. Flows are low and clear, setting the stage for some technical fishing. Anglers should prepare themselves for intermittent hatches of midges. Anglers willing to work hard, cover lots of water, and sight fish, are catching a handful of quality trout, however; but you have to put in some effort to catch the bigger fish right now. There are a lot of little fish to be had right now, as they are eager and opportunistic to take your fly. The river is currently ice free from the dam to the reaches above Eleven Mile Reservoir. Temperatures have been brutally cold in the mornings, especially on clear nights. There is no need to arrive before 10 a.m. , all you’ll do is get cold. There are already a few lake-run fish entering the system and the river is jam packed people…